Proven Science

Trace Minerals 101

Trace minerals provide the essential nutrients animals need for metabolic functions such as growth and development, immunity and reproduction. Even moderate deficiencies can adversely impact animal performance. Find out more about the various functions of each trace mineral, as well as signs of a trace mineral deficiency.

Mineral

Trace Mineral Function

Trace Mineral Deficiency

Zinc

Protein synthesis

Vitamin A utilization

Epithelial tissue integrity

Immune System

Reproduction

Abnormal skin and hooves

Bone and joint problems

Poor wound healing

Fertility problems

Manganese

Bone and Cartilage Synthesis

Enzyme Systems

Reproduction

Immune Response

Abnormal bones and joint development

Impaired ability to make or repair joint cartilage

Abnormalities in skin, hair and hooves

Reproduction challenges

Copper

Collagen synthesis and maintenance

Enzyme function

Red blood cell maturation

Reproduction

Immune response

Bone and joint disease

Tendon and ligament problems

Poor coat color

Early embryonic losses

Cobalt

Required by ruminants for synthesis of Vitamin B12 by bacteria in the gut

Fiber fermentation by bacteria

Low Vitamin B12 levels

Poor Growth

Low body condition

Iron

Oxygen transport in hemoglobin

Anemia is the final stage of iron deficiency

Can be caused by blood loss

Selenium

Component of Glutathione Peroxidase

Thyroid hormone metabolism

Immune response

Muscular cramping

Poor stress tolerance

Impaired immunity

Subpar performance

Iodine

Thyroid hormone synthesis

Thermoregulation

Enlarged thyroid gland; goiter

Hair loss and dry scaly skin

Performance Minerals versus Ordinary Minerals

Performance Minerals support increased growth and improved efficiency, reproduction and immunity. Performance minerals are readily available to the animal when ingested. They consist of one metal ion bound to one amino acid molecule. This stable bond allows performance minerals to remain intact as they pass through the volatile stomach environment so they can reach the small intestine where they are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and then transported to tissues and organs for utilization.

Ordinary minerals prevent deficiencies and provide for normal growth and reproduction. When an ordinary trace mineral – such as zinc sulfate or zinc oxide – is fed, there are three possible outcomes:

1. It is bound to an antagonist and not absorbed. Antagonists are other components in the diet that may interfere with mineral absorption.

2. The ordinary mineral remains in its original form and is excreted.

3. The ordinary mineral is bound to a complexing agent, which serves as a carrier to drive absorption into the small intestine.

Trace Mineral Biological Efficacy

Another factor to consider in trace mineral nutrition is biological efficacy – how well a mineral is absorbed and utilized in an animal. Zinpro Performance Minerals® are designed for optimum absorption, so they easily enter the bloodstream and affect numerous metabolic functions.